Liquid filter assembly; components; and, methods

ABSTRACT

A liquid filter assembly is provided. The preferred assembly includes a serviceable filter cartridge having a primary filter section and a secondary or bypass filter section. The preferred assembly includes a bypass valve arrangement and a suction filter arrangement. An optional valve, to allow flow from an interior of the assembly to a reservoir if needed, is provided. Preferred serviceable filter cartridges are shown.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/470,455,filed May 14, 2012. U.S. Ser. No. 13/470,455 is a continuation of U.S.Ser. No. 12/310,468 filed Nov. 6, 2009, and has issued as U.S. Pat. No.8,177,976. U.S. Ser. No. 12/310,468 is a national stage application ofPCT application PCT/US2007/018037, published as WO 2008/030323 on Mar.13, 2008. PCT application PCT/US2007/018037 claims priority toprovisional application 60/842,914, filed Sep. 6, 2006. The completedisclosures of U.S. Ser. No. 13/470,455; U.S. Ser. No. 12/310,468; PCTapplication PCT/US2007/018037; and U.S. Ser. No. 60/842,914 areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to liquid filters and methods. Theexample embodiment described is an in-tank filter assembly, for use, forexample, in hydraulic systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Liquid filters are employed in a variety of applications, including, forexample, hydraulic systems, fuel systems and engine lubrication systems.

In general, liquid filters which accommodate downstream components, areof concern. Particularly, it is of concern to prevent cavitation ofpumps and other equipment downstream from liquid filters. Conditionssuch as cold starts, flow surges or occluded elements can result indamaged downstream components.

Certain liquid filter arrangements are described in PCT Publication WO05/63358, incorporated herein by reference. Variations in sucharrangements, are described herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A filter cartridge for use with a liquid filter assembly is provided.The filter cartridge includes: a primary filter cartridge section; abypass filter cartridge section; a first end cap positioned between theprimary filter cartridge section and the bypass filter cartridgesection; a seal surrounded by the media of the bypass filter cartridgesection; and a second end cap positioned on an opposite end of theprimary filter cartridge section from the first end cap. The sealsupport includes a first inner seal member defining a first inwardlydirected seal. The first inwardly directed seal is positioned in aslanted seal plane non-orthogonal to a central axis of the bypass filtercartridge section.

Specific advantageous features for the filter cartridge are shown anddescribed. In addition, a filter assembly configured for advantageoususe of the filter cartridge, is also described.

Herein, examples of specific features and combination of features aredescribed and shown. There is no specific requirement that anarrangement include all of the features characterized herein, in orderto obtain some advantage according to the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevational, partially cross-sectional, viewof an assembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top plan view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic, exploded, perspective view of the assemblydepicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, schematic, fragmentary, partially cross-sectionalview of a top portion of the assembly depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, schematic, fragmentary, partially cross-sectionalview of a bottom portion of the assembly depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flow chart depicting operation of the assembly ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a schematic top, perspective, view of a serviceable filtercartridge component of the assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic, side elevational, partially cross-sectional, viewof the filter cartridge of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a valve frame piece componentof the assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a schematic side elevational view of the valve frame piececomponent of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a schematic, cross-sectional, view of the valve frame piececomponent of FIGS. 9 and 10, taken along line 11-11, FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a schematic, perspective, view of the valve frame piececomponent of FIGS. 9-11, with additional subcomponent features therein,to form a valve sub-assembly.

FIG. 13 is a schematic, side elevational, partially cross-sectional,view of the component of FIG. 9 in the valve sub-assembly of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a subcomponent within thevalve sub-assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a schematic side elevational view of the subcomponent of FIG.14.

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the component of FIG. 14,taken along line 16-16, FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged schematic top perspective view of a sub-componentof the filter cartridge depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 18 is a schematic side elevational view of the component depictedin FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken generally along line19-19, FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken generally along line20-20, FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a schematic, enlarged, cross-sectional view of a furthersubcomponent of the assembly of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The principles described generally in PCT Publication, WO 05/63358, canbe applied in arrangements having alternate specific features, andconfigured for still further advantages. Herein, in FIGS. 1-21 such anarrangement is depicted that is useable, for example, for application inhydraulic systems with expected flow rates, for example, of up to about250 liters per minute. Of course the principles could be applied toconstruct arrangements to allow for alternate flow rates, if desired.

The reference numeral 1, FIG. 1, generally indicates a liquid filterarrangement or assembly according to this aspect of the presentdisclosure. The liquid filter assembly 1 includes a housing 3comprising: a filter head 4 having a body 4 a and a removable top orcover 5; and, a side wall 7, which in use, extends (depends downwardly)from filter head 4. In general, the housing 3 defines an internal volume8, in which: selected internal componentry as defined is contained; and,certain filtering and flow operations occur. The liquid filter assembly1 further includes a suction filter assembly 10.

Herein, “top,” “above,” and, “below,” are meant to refer to the assembly1, when oriented for normal use, i.e., when in the orientation ofFIG. 1. The terms, by themselves, are not otherwise meant to be limitingor to have further definition.

The liquid filter assembly 1 includes, operably positioned therein, aserviceable (i.e., removable and replaceable) filter cartridgearrangement 15, FIGS. 7 and 8. For the particular, preferred, liquidfilter arrangement 1 shown, the serviceable filter cartridge 15, FIGS. 7and 8, optionally includes two filter sections or components namely: aprimary (upper) filter cartridge or cartridge section 17; and, a bypass(lower) filter cartridge or cartridge section 18. The primary filtercartridge section 17 and bypass filter cartridge section 18 aretypically secured to one another, and are removed and serviced as anintegral unit.

Of course, the primary filter cartridge or cartridge section 17 is notrequired to be non-separably attached to the bypass filter cartridge orcartridge section 18. However, the arrangement depicted, in which thetwo are typically permanently secured to one another is convenient andtypical.

The typical serviceable filter cartridge assembly 15, FIGS. 7 and 8,further includes, as described below, an end cap and seal arrangement 20(sometimes referred to as the upper or second end cap), which providesfor a preferred mounting and sealing of the serviceable filter cartridgearrangement 15 to the filter head 4 within the liquid filter arrangement1.

The preferred liquid filter assembly 1 depicted includes a bypass valveassembly 25, FIGS. 1, 5 and 13.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, typical operation of the various componentsdefined, will be generally in accord with the following. The filter head4 generally includes a body 4 a having an inlet or inlet arrangement 30and an outlet or outlet arrangement 31.

The liquid flow inlet arrangement 30 will sometimes be referred to as acirculation loop liquid flow inlet arrangement, since it is an inletarrangement to the filter head 4 of liquid from a liquid circulationloop in which the liquid filtered by assembly 1 circulates to performits function. Similarly the outlet arrangement 31 will sometimes bereferred to as a circulation loop liquid flow outlet arrangement, sinceit is an outlet for filtered liquid, from the filter head 4 and thus theassembly 1, for liquid to be directed into a liquid circulation loop toperform its function.

Referring to FIG. 2, for the particular assembly 1 shown, the filterhead 4 includes, for the inlet arrangement 30, two inlets 30 x, 30 y;and, for the outlet arrangement 31, two outlets 31 x, 31 y, althoughalternatives are possible. This allows assembly 1 to be operated withtwo circulation loops, for filtered liquid. If the assembly 1 is to beused with only a single circulation loop, an appropriate one of inlets30 x, 30 y and an appropriate one of outlets 31 x, 31 y, can optionallybe closed or capped.

Referring to FIG. 1, liquid to be filtered is directed into inletarrangement 30. The unfiltered liquid then flows into annular unfilteredliquid volume 33, around the serviceable filter cartridge assembly 15.In general, volume 33 is an “unfiltered liquid volume,” since the liquidreceived therein, will generally be received directly from a circulationloop, and will be unfiltered and require filtering.

In normal operation, from the unfiltered liquid volume 33, the liquid ispassed through the primary filter cartridge 17 to its interior 35. (Thiswould be a filtering flow.) From the central volume 35 the liquid canpass out of the filter cartridge 15 in a direction of arrow 40 to outletarrangement 31; and, outwardly from the assembly 1. (This latter flowfrom volume 35 through outlet arrangement 31 is a non-filtering flow.)

To address the event that liquid flow demands in the circulation loopdownstream of the assembly 1, i.e., in the direction of arrow 40, arenot sufficiently great to require all filtered liquid entering region 35to be directed into the circulation loop by passage (after filtering)through outlet arrangement 31, an alternate flow direction is provided.In particular, flow from central volume 35 can be directed outwardlyfrom the housing side wall 3, and eventually outwardly from a bottom ofthe assembly 1 into a tank reservoir, by passage through bottom, tank orreservoir outlet 42.

Although alternatives are possible, it is noted that assembly 1, FIG. 1,does not include a central standpipe projecting into primary cartridgesection 17. A central structure 300 which is present, but typically doesnot extend into section 17 is discussed below.

In a typical operation, a flow path indicated by arrow 49, from region35, would be a liquid flow exit from assembly 1 into a tank reservoir; atank reservoir not shown in FIG. 1. In typical use, althoughalternatives are possible, the liquid filter assembly 1 would be anin-tank assembly in accord with the principles described in PCTPublication WO 05/63358 and would be mounted on a reservoir tank withsuction filter assembly 10 submerged in the tank or tank reservoir. InFIG. 3, a mounting flange for attachment to a tank is shown at 4 f.

With the particular liquid filter assembly 1 depicted, FIG. 1,flow/pressure regulation valve arrangement 47 is conveniently positionedbelow the suction filter assembly 10 to control flow through outlet 42,as described in detail below.

From the above descriptions of general use, it can be expected that insome circumstances, for assembly 1, there can be a flow demand increasedownstream of the liquid filter arrangement 1, relative to the liquidvolume and flow going into inlet arrangement 30. When this occurs,liquid can be drawn from the tank reservoir in the direction of arrow50, FIG. 1, through suction filter assembly 10 and eventually intocentral volume 35. Such a flow will generally be through suction filter51, in suction filter arrangement 10, and is a filtering flow. Adirectionally biased flow (valve) arrangement 52, for example asreferenced in WO 05/63358, is provided in the suction flow path. Thedirectionally biased flow (valve) arrangement 52 allows for entrance ofliquid into region 35, but inhibits liquid flow in an oppositedirection, so as not to override or disable a proper bypass operation offlow/pressure regulation valve arrangement 47. The preferreddirectionally biased flow (valve) arrangement 52 depicted, is anon-helical spring valve arrangement 52 a, referenced below. It is notedthat for the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the non-helical spring valvearrangement 52 surrounds the filter 51, although alternatives arepossible.

To protect the equipment in the circulation loop, in circumstances inwhich the primary filter cartridge section 17 becomes occluded to anundesirable level, a bypass filter arrangement 55, FIG. 1, is provided.The bypass filter arrangement 55 includes bypass filter section 18 andbypass control valve arrangement 25. In general, should the pressuredifferential across media 17 a in primary filter cartridge 17 becomesufficiently high, the bypass control valve arrangement 25 is configuredto open, to allow liquid flow through bypass filter 18 and into centralvolume 35, as a filtering flow but without passage through filter media17 a in primary filter cartridge 17. This flow can then proceed, in thedirection of arrow 40, FIG. 1, through outlet arrangement 31, oralternatively into the tank reservoir by passage through outlet 42 andfrom assembly 1.

For a typical liquid filter assembly 1, filter head 4 will be a castmember, for example made from cast aluminum or other material. Cover 5is secured by bolts 6, FIG. 1, to the filter head 4, to close serviceaperture 5 a, with spaced, radial, seals provided by o-rings 60. Thecover 5 includes handle 61 and extensions 61 a, for bolts 6. An optionalbleed valve assembly 56, FIG. 6, can be provided, as depicted in PCTPublication WO 05/63358.

The cover 5 includes, positioned internally and centrally, a stem 62,configured to project into a central volume 4 b of filter head 4. Thefilter cartridge 15 is sealed to a lower, solid, inside portion 62 i ofstem 62 by seal 20 a on stem 20 b, FIG. 4. In particular, stem 20 b, oncartridge 15, projects inside of stem 62, on cover 5. The seal, 20 a,separates the filter head 4 into an unfiltered region 4 x and a filteredregion 4 y.

In use, spring 63 is positioned inside the stem 62, FIG. 1, to ensurethat the serviceable filter cartridge 15 is retained in extension intothe housing 3, at an appropriate position and to ensure that thecartridge 15 cannot be moved out of its operational (sealed) position,unless cover 5 is removed.

The sidewall portion 7 of the liquid filter assembly 1 depicted, FIG. 1,is separable from the filter head 4. In particular, the body 4 a offilter head 4, FIG. 1, includes an aperture 64 therein positioned onopposite side or direction of the filter head body 4 a from the serviceaperture 5 a and cover 5. The sidewall section 7, projects through, andoutwardly from (in use downwardly from), the aperture 64.

The sidewall section 7 can be provided with a wire handle (not shown)which can be rotated down (analogously to sidewall section 607, FIGS. 17and 18 of PCT Publication WO 05/63358). The sidewall section 7 hasshoulder 65 (at an upper end in use) and an opposite (in use bottom) end66. The side wall 7 is sized such that, during assembly, when the top 5is removed from body 4 a, FIG. 1, the side wall 7 can be lowered intothe housing 3 through the opening 5 a provided by the absence of thecover 5, until the shoulder 65 engages shoulder 67 in the filter head 4.Shoulder 65, FIG. 1, is provided with a seal member 68, to provide for aseal at this location.

Attention is now directed to the serviceable filter cartridge 15, FIGS.7 and 8. In general the serviceable filter cartridge 15 includes thesecond (upper in use) end cap and seal arrangement 20, referenced above.The second end cap and seal arrangement 20, for the particularembodiment depicted, is mounted on an end (in use upper end 70) of theprimary filter cartridge 17. The second end cap and seal arrangement 20includes an end cap portion 71 which, for example, can be a moldedmember secured (i.e., potted) to the primary filter cartridge 17. Theend cap portion 71 includes a central aperture 72, for passage therethrough of liquid (from region 35) to be directed in the direction ofarrow 40 (FIG. 1) to circulation loop outlet arrangement 31. The end capportion 71 includes axial projection 20 b. The axial projection 20 b istubular with an outer surface and projects in an opposite direction,with respect to end cap portion 71, from primary cartridge media 17 a.The projection 72 a is configured to project into projection 62, FIG. 1,with sealing by a housing seal member such as o-ring 20 a, as previouslymentioned. The o-ring or seal 20 a, then, is mounted on an outsidesurface of, and surrounds, projection 20 b.

A handle arrangement 73 is depicted mounted on end cap portion 71. Thehandle arrangement is collapsible, see FIG. 7, during installation. Thehandle 73 can be used, for example, to raise cartridge 15 from itsinstalled position FIG. 1, when cover 5 is removed.

The end cap 71 can be molded from a variety of moldable plasticmaterials, for example a polyamide (PA). As an example, a glass filledpolyamide (15-30% glass filled by wt.) is useable. It can also be formedas a metal piece.

Referring to FIG. 8, it is noted that end cap 20 includes a shieldprojection 71 a thereon. The shield projection 71 a projects downwardlyalong an outside 17 b of media 17 a in cartridge 17 generally a lengthof extension far enough to extend to a point at or below a lower mostextent of each of inlet arrangement 30 and outlet arrangement 31,FIG. 1. This will inhibit fluid entering inlet arrangement 30 fromdirectly impinging upon the media 17 a at this location.

A central support or inner support 85 can be positioned along an inside17 c of the pleated media 17, for support. A perforated metal liner, orexpanded metal liner, can be used, for the inner support 85. If ametal-free or reduced metal configuration is desired for the serviceablecartridge 15, a perforated or porous plastic liner can be used. In FIG.8, a preferred coiled metal strip, perforated or louvered, with an edgecoupling is depicted as used for liner 85.

The media 17 a can be a pleated media contained within a pleated mesh orsimilar structure, with pleats extending between the opposite end caps.The mesh may comprise a metal wire mesh or a plastic mesh, as preferredfor a selected application.

In a typical application, the axial length of the media 17 a of theprimary filter media section 17, will be at least 3 times (typically atleast 4 times) the axial length of the bypass filter media 18 a,although alternatives are possible.

In some assemblies it may be desirable to provide the primary filtercartridge 17 with an upstream outer liner such as a porous metal orplastic liner; or, a liner/valve construction, in accord with thedescriptions of PCT Publication WO 04/000436 published Dec. 31, 2003,incorporated herein by reference.

Referring still to FIG. 8, at an end opposite end cap 71, the primaryfilter section 17 is secured to first end cap 88. End cap 88 is open,having a central aperture 89. Also secured to end cap 88, on an oppositeside from primary filter section is bypass filter section or arrangement18 comprising media 18 a secured in extension between end cap 88 and alower, opposite, third end cap 90.

Still referring to FIG. 8, the primary filter cartridge section 17, andin particular the media 17 a, can be characterized as circumscribing aprimary filter section central axis 17 x; and, the bypass filter section18, and in particular the media 18 a, can be characterized ascircumscribing a bypass filter section central axis 18 x. For theparticular example shown, the axes 17 x, 18 x are colinear; and, each ofthe media extensions 17 a, 18 a, is generally circular incross-sectional definition. Alternatives from this are possible with theprinciples as described herein.

Media 18 a bypass arrangement 18, is positioned surrounding a sealsupport 91. The seal support 91 is secured to, and between end cap 88and end cap 90. Seal support 91 can be secured in place with adhesive.Undercuts 91 s, FIG. 20, can be used to receive adhesive and facilitateadhesion in place.

Inner seal 92, in the example shown comprising an o-ring, is depictedpositioned on an upwardly directed shelf or shoulder 91 a of sealsupport ring 91 at a location between shoulder 91 a and a downwardly,axially, projecting portion 88 a on end cap 88. Portion 88 a, generallycomprises a downwardly projecting inside ring on end cap 88 extending ina direction opposite media pack 17 a and primary filter cartridgesection 17.

Seal support 91 is provided with a second inner seal 93, in the exampleshown as an o-ring, at a second, lower, end 91 x positioned betweenshoulder 91 b and end cap 90.

For the particular example shown, a projected internal seal size definedby the upper ring 92 is smaller than the projected internal size of theinternal seal definition provided by seal 93. That is, if projected intoa plane, an inner circle defined by seal member 92 is smaller than thecircle defined to by the interior seal 93. As a result, when thecartridge 15 is installed, seal member 93 can be easily slid past a sealsurface for seal member 92, to sealingly engage a larger outer diametersurface for sealing. Alternately stated, a region of a structure aroundwhich seal 92 extends, has a small lip, then a region of the samestructure around which seal 93 extends. This is discussed further below,in connection with FIG. 9.

Located between the seal rings or o-rings 92, 93, is provided perforatedportion 95 of media/seal support ring 91.

Seal support ring 91 is depicted in more detail, in FIGS. 17-20.Referring to FIG. 17, a top perspective view of seal support ring 91 isdepicted. The seal support ring 91 includes: upper o-ring supportshoulder 91 a; outer peripheral perforated sidewall region 95; and,internal, lower, downwardly directed, shoulder 91 b, FIG. 19. The ring91 also includes an upper axial end surface 96, positioned to abut aportion of end cap 88, FIG. 8, during assembly. The ring 91 includes anupper gap or slot portion 97, discussed further below.

Still referring to FIG. 17, in sidewall 98, which includes perforatedring 95, is also included a downwardly, axially, directed, locator orkey slot 99. There is no specific requirement that the key slot 99extend completely through sidewall region 95 of ring 91. Indeed for theexample shown, key slot 99, which communicates with an inner portion 91i of ring 91, it does not extend through to outer portion 91 o, see FIG.20. The key slot 99, as discussed below, is configured to slidablyengage and receive therein a projection on a structural portion ofassembly 1, when the filter cartridge 15 is installed. This will bediscussed below in connection with elongate locator or key projection212, FIG. 9.

Still referring to FIG. 17, sidewall 98 comprises a plurality ofvertically spaced rings 98 a, with perforated portions 95 comprisingflow regions therebetween, and between vertical spacers 98 b.

Typically, ring member 91 would be a molded plastic component, althoughalternatives are possible.

In FIG. 18, a side elevational view taken toward downwardly directedupper gap or slot 97 is shown. Referring to FIG. 19, a cross-sectionalview taken along line 19-19, FIG. 17, is depicted. Here, key slot 99 isviewable, as well as seal shoulder 91 a. In FIG. 20, a cross-sectionalview taken along 20-20, FIG. 17, is depicted. Here shoulders 91 a, 91 b,are readily viewable.

Referring to FIGS. 17, 19 and 20, shoulder 91 a is planar and sits in aplane slanted from horizontal, i.e., in a plane extending at an angle x,FIG. 20. The angle x is an acute angle from horizontal, when ring 91 ispositioned with surface 96 pointed upwardly and shoulder 91 b pointeddownwardly. The angle x generally extends at an angle x of at least 4°,typically not more than 30° (typically 4°-20° inclusive), and oftenwithin the range of 7°-15°. Thus, o-ring 92, is positioned at an anglecorresponding to angle x.

Alternately stated, ring 91 can be said to have a central vertical axisextending thereto, generally corresponding to axis 18 x, FIG. 8. Theplane of shoulder 91 a, is generally non-orthogonal to axis 18 x, i.e.,does not extend at 90° thereto. Further, the plane of shoulder 91 a,generally extends at an acute angle x relative to a plane that would beorthogonal to central axis 18 x.

It is also noted, referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, that at a verticallyhighest (when installed) portion 91 ah of shoulder 91 a extends over keyslot 99; and, at a vertically lowest (when installed) portion 91 al,shoulder 91 a extends underneath gap 97. Thus, when cartridge 15 isinstalled, seal member 92 will extend over a key to which key slot 99engages, and underneath gap 97. The seal member 92 will also extendunderneath a gap 213, FIG. 12, in a frame piece 200 to which the sealmember 92 seals. This is discussed below.

From the previous descriptions, and a review of FIG. 1, it can be seenthat during a servicing operation, cover 5 would be removed, and theserviceable filter cartridge 75, comprising the primary filter cartridge17 and the bypass filter 18, would be operably installed in place of aremoved cartridge. Finally, cover 5 would be positioned in place.

Proper operation of the bypass filter 18, is controlled by the bypassvalve assembly 25. Referring to FIG. 5, the bypass valve assembly 25comprises a valve member 100; in this instance a tubular valve member101 slidably positioned within seat 102 between biasing member 105 (inthis instance spring 105 a) and stop 106. Sufficient fluid pressurethrough ring 91 and against region 107 will cause the bypass valve 25 toopen. In this example, the valve member 100 and spring 105 a are mountedwithin internal valve frame piece 200. The valve frame piece 200includes and defines seat 102.

In more general terms, the valve member 100 of the bypass filterassembly 25, is moveable between two positions: a first, closed, sealedposition as depicted in FIG. 5; and, a second, open position. In thefirst, sealed, closed position, the tubular valve member 101 is biasedagainst seat 102 by the biasing member 105. In the second, opened,orientation, sufficient pressure against the tubular valve member 101,causes the tubular valve member 101 to bias against the biasing member105, overcoming a closing force of the biasing member 105, to unseat thetubular valve member 101 from the seat 102.

The valve frame piece 200, mounted on housing 3, supports: bypass valveassembly 25; suction filter assembly 10; and, flow/regulation valveassembly 47.

Attention is directed to FIGS. 9-16, with respect to valve frame piece200 and its use. In general, the valve frame piece 200 is asub-component of a valve sub-assembly 200 x, FIG. 13. The valvesub-assembly 200 x supports: the bypass valve assembly 25; the tankoutlet flow regulation valve assembly 47; and, provides mounting andsealing engagement for: an installed filter cartridge 15; installationof the valve sub-assembly 200 x in the housing 4; and, mounting of thesuction filter assembly 10.

In FIG. 9, valve frame piece 200 is depicted in top perspective view andgenerally in an orientation similar to that it would have when installedon the housing 3 of the arrangement 1 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 10, piece 200is depicted in side elevational view. In FIG. 11, a cross-sectional viewalong line 11-11, FIG. 10 is provided. In FIGS. 12 and 13, frame piece200 is viewed in the valve sub-assembly 200 x, discussed below.

Referring first to FIG. 9, frame piece 200 is tubular with a centralconduit 200 c extending axially completely therethrough. Frame piece 200has opposite open (axial) ends, comprising upper end 201 and lower end202.

Spaced between ends 201 and 202, is provided an outwardly projectingradial ring section 205 defining peripheral seal support member 205 a,with an outer annular, peripheral, seal groove 206 therein. When valveframe piece 200 is mounted within sidewall 7, a seal member such as ano-ring 208, FIG. 5, is typically positioned within groove 206, forsealing against lower sidewall section 7 x. In a typical construction,end 66 of the sidewall 7 would be pinched around projection 205, asshown, to help secure frame piece 200 in position.

Seal support member 205 a generally separates the frame piece 200 intotwo tubular sections, 200 a and 200 b, FIG. 9; section 200 acorresponding to projection 300, FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 5, first orupper section 200 a generally projects axially into an interior of sidewall 7, when frame piece 200 is mounted; and, second or lower section200 b generally projects axially outwardly (downwardly) from side wall 7when frame piece 200 is mounted.

Referring again to FIG. 9, adjacent first or upper end 201, upper,first, section 200 a of valve frame piece 200 defines, upper, outer,seal surface 210 for seal member 92. The seal surface 210 is sized andconfigured to be received within ring 91, FIG. 5, during use; withsealing between valve frame piece 200 and end cap ring 91 being providedby o-ring 92, FIGS. 5 and 8. Again, sealing is preferably along outsidesurface 210, although alternate configurations are possible.

Still referring to FIG. 9, upper section 220 a of valve frame piece 200includes lower seal region 211. Lower seal region 211 is configured toseal engage at seal 93, FIG. 5. It is noted that seal region 211 has aslightly larger outer size (diameter), than does seal region 210.

Still referring to FIG. 9, section 200 a of frame piece 200 includes,along an outer surface thereof: key or locator projection 212; and, incommunication with upper end 201, gap 213. Projection 212 is spaced fromend 201 and extends away (downwardly) from region 210 (and end 201)toward central region 205.

Projection 212 is sized in position to be received within key slot 99,when cartridge 15 is pushed over end 201, in particular when ring 91 ispushed over end 200 a. Thus, a slanted seal supported by shoulder 91 a,and resulting from o-ring 92, will pass above projection 212 and belowgap 213, along side wall surface 210 of region 200 a, to form theslanted seal engagement between cartridge 15 and frame piece 200.

Projection 212 engages key slot 99, and provides for appropriate radialorientation between the cartridge 15 and the valve frame piece 200,during installation. The cartridge 15 would be rotated with downwardpushing, until a proper orientation of engagement between projection 212and slot 99 occurs, at which time axial insertion (cartridge 15 loweringinto a seal orientation) occurs. As a result of the angular orientationof seal member 92, as sealing is initiated, complete 360° engagementdoes not immediately occur, rather as the cartridge 15 is inserted, anincremental increase in installation pressure resulting from further orgreater engagement of seal member 92 with surface 210 occurs. Thisfacilitates installation.

In addition, utilization of the key projection 212 and gap 213; as wellas the diagonal or slanted nature of the seal member 92, helps ensurethat a proper cartridge 15, for utilization with the assembly 1, ischosen for installation.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, interior volume 220 of internal framepiece 200, is sized for receipt of components of the bypass valveassembly 25 therein to form a portion of valve sub-assembly 200 x. Inparticular and referring to FIG. 13, valve member 101 and biasing member105 a are shown positioned in interior 220. The biasing member or spring105 a is seated at seat 221, FIG. 13, and extends upwardly. The valvemember 101 is slidably received between the spring 105 and stop or seat106.

Referring to FIG. 13, as liquid forces against shoulder 101 s of valvemember 101, reflected through open side 200 s of section 200 a increase,eventually valve member 101 and shoulder 106, i.e., against the springforce of spring 105 a, opening the valve assembly 25 to liquid flow passfrom exterior through into interior region 201 i. From here, forexample, the liquid flow can be through interior 35, in the direction ofarrow 40 to outlet flow arrangement 31 as discussed above.

However under normal operation when bias is not intended, the springforce 105 a would be to close the valve assembly 25, to bypass flowtherethrough. Referring to FIG. 13, seal 101 x within receiver 101 r,provides seal engagement between valve member 101 and upper section 200a of frame piece 200, along interior 201 i, below openings 200 s.

Stop 221 comprises a portion of a spoked frame piece 222, see FIGS.13-16, secured within interior 220 above snap ring 223, and biased inplace, in part, by spring 105 a. Referring to FIGS. 14-16, piece 22includes a central projection member 224 with a vertical channel 226running therethrough.

Referring to FIG. 13, inner spring 230 is shown extending between snapring 231 and member 222, in particular in extension around post 225.This also provides for securing of member 222 in place.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 21, in which valve member 101 isdepicted in enlarged cross-sectional view. Shoulder 101 s, against whichpressure is directed for opening on the bypass valve arrangement 25 isreadily depicted, as well as receiver 101 r, for seal member 101 x, FIG.13. Lower biasing shoulder 101 y is viewable, to be engaged by spring105 during assembly.

Referring again to FIG. 13, flow regulation valve assembly 47 comprisesa valve diaphragm 47 a secured in place on piece 222, by fastener 47 b.The diaphragm 47 a can bias open under pressure within interior 200 i offrame piece 200, to allow downward flow past diaphragm 47 a; the flowbeing allowed by flow through spaces 235 in frame piece 222, FIG. 14.Referring to FIG. 5, diaphragm 47 a is configured to bias against a seat47 c formed at a bottom end of frame piece 200.

Referring to FIG. 1, then, bypass valve aperture arrangement 25,provides for a communicating flow between volume 33 and volume 35. Whenthe pressure differential between regions 33 and 35 exceeds a definedamount, the biasing force of spring 105 a is overcome, tubular valvemember 101 slides away from seat 102, and bypass valve arrangement 25 isopened so that a bypass flow can go from region 33, FIG. 1, into openregion or interior 201 i of frame piece 200. From here the liquid can,depending on circumstances, flow to the outlet arrangement 31 or throughvalve 47 to a tank.

In operation, FIG. 13, flow through end valve 47 is inhibited bydisk-shaped diaphragm valve member 47 a, until pressure in region 200 bxexceeds the control pressure of diaphragm 47 a. At this point, the valvemember 751 will move to open aperture arrangement 47 c to liquid flowtherefrom, and into the tank. That is, under the appropriate pressureconditions within region 200 bx, liquid flow can go through end 47 c tothe tank reservoir.

Referring now to FIG. 1, attention is directed to the suction filterassembly 10. Referring to FIG. 3, suction filter assembly 10 is asub-assembly or component, mountable on valve frame piece 200, in use.Still referring to FIG. 3, snap ring 301 would be removed from framepiece 200, suction filter assembly 10 would be positioned around framepiece 200, and snap ring 301 would reinstalled in place.

The suction filter assembly 10 may be in general accord with theconstruction of an analogous suction filter assembly described in PCTPublication WO 05/63358, with respect to FIGS. 24-26. In general, thesuction filter assembly 10 includes a non-helical spring valvearrangement 305. For the example shown, the non-helical spring valvearrangement 305 comprises a sheet 306 with a plurality of flap valves307 cut therein; each flap valve 307, for the example shown, having agenerally u shape. On a pressure draw from within assembly 1, seeking todraw liquid from the tank reservoir, the flap valves 307 will biasinwardly, allowing the passage of flow. Under pressure within assembly1, the flap valves 307 will generally bias closed. In general terms, thesheet 306 forms a non-helical spring valve arrangement 52 a comprisingdirectionally biased valves or valve arrangement 52. By this, it ismeant that the directionally biased valve arrangement 52 opensconveniently to allow flow in one direction (outside to inside) butgenerally closed, inhibiting flow in the opposite direction (inside tooutside). By “non-helical spring” in this context, it is meant that thevalve arrangement 50 does not include a helical spring biasingarrangement, for operation of the individual flap valves 307.

In FIG. 5, suction filter 10 is shown in cross-section view, sealed inplace with seals 310 to frame piece 200. Surrounded by valve member 301,is a filter member 315, corresponding to filter 51, FIG. 1, whichsurrounds frame piece 200. Thus, after the liquid is drawn through valvemember 301, passage through the filter media 315 (51) on the way intointerior 325 of lower section 200 b. From there, the liquid can pass upthrough frame member 200, into region 35, FIG. 1.

In FIG. 6, a schematic view depicting opposite of assembly 1 isprovided. Referring to FIG. 6, at 400, a tank arrangement on whichassembly 1 would be installed in use, is shown. At 30, an inlet flowpath is shown, with optional inlets 30 x 30 y. At 17, the primarysection is shown. After passage through the filter section 17, inordinary course of liquid is passed through outlet flow arrangement 31to optional outlet passages 31 x 31 y. At 56, optional downstreammonitoring equipment is shown. Other optional, upstream, monitoringequipment is shown at 57.

In case the primary filter section 17 becomes occluded, a bypass flowarrangement 55 comprising bypass media 18 and bypass valve arrangement25 is shown.

In the event of demand within the circulation loop being diminished to apoint where discharge of liquid into the tank arrangement 400 is needed,a regulation valve arrangement 47 is depicted.

In the event that a draw of liquid in from tank assembly 400 is needed,a suction filter arrangement 10 is depicted, comprising the valvearrangement 52 and media arrangement 51.

In general, the schematic diagram of FIG. 6, is analogous to andoperates in accord with, the principles described in PCT Publication WO05/63358, with respect to FIG. 11.

In more general terms, a filter cartridge is provided. The filtercartridge includes: a primary filter cartridge section, comprising mediasurrounding a central volume and defining a central axis; a bypassfilter cartridge section, including media surrounding a central volumeand defining a central axis; a first end cap positioned between theprimary filter cartridge section and the bypass filter cartridgesection; a seal support surrounded by the media of a bypass filtercartridge section; and, a second end cap positioned on an opposite endof the primary filter cartridge section from the first end cap. The sealsupport surrounded by the media of the bypass filter cartridge sectiongenerally includes a first inner seal member defining a first inwardlydirected seal. The first inwardly directed seal is positioned in aslanted seal plate not orthogonal to the central axis of the bypassfilter cartridge section.

It is noted that for a typical arrangement, the second end capcomprising a open end cap and includes a tubular axial projection havinga radially outer surface and a housing seal member positioned around theradially outer surface of the tubular extension of the second end cap.

In an embodiment shown, the first inner seal member of the seal supportdefines the inwardly directed seal and slanted seal plane extending atan acute angle x within the range of 4° to 20° inclusive, with respectto a plane orthogonal to the central axis that bypass filter cartridgesection.

Typically, the seal support which is surrounded by the bypass filtercartridge section includes a second inner seal member thereon spacedaxially from the first seal member and defining a second inwardlydirected seal; the second inwardly directed seal typically beingoriented in a seal plane orthogonal to the central axis of the bypassfilter cartridge. When such is the case, the first inner seal member onthe seal support is typically positioned between the second inner sealmember and the primary filter cartridge section.

For an example shown, the seal support includes an outer side wallperforate in selected locations that are between the first seal memberand the second seal member.

In an example shown, the second inner seal member in the seal supportdefines a larger inside seal size than the does the first inner sealmember of the seal support; inside seal size in this context referringto the ejected inner radial size of the seal member.

For an example shown, the seal support include a side wall section witha locator or key slot thereon; the locator or key slot being positionedspaced from the first seal member in a direction opposite the primaryfilter cartridge section and extending in a direction away from theprimary filter cartridge section.

Also, in an example shown, the seal support includes a side wall sectiondefining a first opening or gap therethrough. The first opening ispositioned spaced from the first seal member and positioned between thefirst seal member and the primary filter cartridge.

For an example shown, the first opening in the seal support side wall isin communication with the first axial surface of the seal support, thefirst axial surface of the seal support being a surface directed awayfrom the first seal member and toward the primary filter cartridgesection.

For the specific example shown: the seal support includes an innershoulder directed toward the primary filter cartridge; the first end capincludes an axial projection directed toward the inner shoulder of theseal support; and, the first inner seal member is positioned on theinner shoulder of the seal support between the inner shoulder and theaxial projection of the first end cap. Typically the first seal memberis an o-ring and the second seal member is an o-ring. Also typically thehousing seal member positioned around the tubular extension of thesecond end cap is an o-ring.

Although alternatives are possible, the media of the primary filtercartridge section can comprise pleated media, with pleat directionextending between the first end cap and the second end cap.

Also according to the present disclosure a liquid filter assembly isprovided which includes a housing defining an interior and having afilter edge section with a liquid flow inlet arrangement and a liquidflow outlet arrangement. The housing includes a depending side wallsection extending downwardly from the filter head section and having alower end removed from the filter head section. A valve sub-assemblyincluding a frame piece having an upper section, a lower section, and acentral seal support flange between the upper and lower sections, isprovided in the liquid filter assembly. The frame piece is secured tothe depending side wall section of the housing with the central sealsupport flange sealed to the lower end of the depending side wall with aseal therebetween; the upper section of the frame projection extendingupwardly into a volume surrounded by the depending side wall section;and, the lower section of the frame projection extending downwardly fromthe depending wall section.

A tubular bypass valve member is positioned surrounded by the uppersection of the frame piece. The upper section of the frame pieceincludes an outer wall with a flow opening arrangement therein; theupper section of the frame piece includes an axial open flow end; and,the tubular bypass member is biased by a biasing (spring) member into aclosed position. When in the closed position, the tubular bypass membercloses an upper section of the valve sub-assembly to flow therethroughfrom region exterior to the upper section of the frame piece to theaxial open flow end of the upper section of the frame piece. However,under an appropriate liquid pressure, the tubular bypass valve membercan bias against the spring member sufficiently to an open positionwherein the tubular bypass member opens the upper section of the framepiece of the valve sub-assembly to flow therethrough from a regionexterior to the upper section of the frame piece, to an axial open flowend of the upper section of the frame piece.

In a typical such assembly, the lower section of the frame piece of thevalve sub-assembly includes an open axial end remote from the centralseal support flange and the side wall having flow openings therethrough.A flow valve (diaphragm) member is positioned over the open axial end ofthe lower section of the frame piece of the valve sub-assembly. Also asuction filter assembly is secured to the liquid filter assembly aroundthe lower section of the frame piece of the valve sub-assembly.

A filter cartridge in accord with the above characterizations ispositioned within the housing with the housing seal member on the secondend cap sealed to the housing in a manner separating the filter headsection at the inlet and outlet flow regions; and, the first inner(slanted) seal member of the seal support sealed to and around the uppersection of the frame piece of the valve sub-assembly.

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid filter cartridge comprising: (a) aprimary filter cartridge section comprising media surrounding a centralvolume and defining a central axis; (i) the media defining first andsecond ends; (b) a first end cap positioned at the first end of themedia; (i) the first end cap including a seal support thereon; (ii) theseal support including a first inner seal member positioned thereon todefine a first, inwardly directed, radial seal; the first, inwardlydirected, radial seal being positioned to define a seal non-orthogonalto the central axis of the primary filter cartridge section; and, (c) asecond end cap at the second end of the media; (i) the second end caphaving a central aperture therethrough.
 2. A liquid filter cartridge toclaim 1 including: (a) a bypass filter section having bypass filtermedia surrounding a central volume; (i) the seal support on the secondend cap being surrounded by the bypass filter media.
 3. A liquid filtercartridge according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the first end cap includes asecond seal member thereon.
 4. A liquid filter cartridge according toclaim 3 wherein: (a) the second seal member is radially outwardlydirected seal member positioned around a seal support on the first endcap.
 5. A liquid filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein: (a) thefirst inner seal member defines a seal plane non-orthogonal to thecentral axis.
 6. A liquid filter cartridge according to claim 5including: (a) a bypass filter section having bypass filter mediasurrounding a central volume; (i) the seal support on the second end capbeing surrounded by the bypass filter media.
 7. A liquid filtercartridge according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the seal support includes asidewall section with a first key slot thereon; (i) the first key slotbeing spaced from the first seal member in a direction opposite theprimary filter cartridge section and extending in a direction away fromthe primary filter cartridge section.
 8. A liquid filter cartridgeaccording to claim 1 wherein: (a) the seal support includes a sidewallsection defining a first opening therethrough; the first opening beingpositioned spaced from the first seal member and being positionedbetween a portion of the first seal member and the primary filtercartridge section.
 9. A liquid filter cartridge according to claim 8wherein: (a) the first opening in the seal support sidewall section isin communication with a first axial surface of the seal support; (i) thefirst axial surface of the seal support being a surface directed awayfrom the first seal member and toward the primary filter cartridgesection.
 10. A liquid filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein: (a)the seal support includes an inner shoulder directed toward the primaryfilter cartridge; (b) the first end cap includes an axial projectiondirected toward the inner shoulder of the seal support; and, (c) thefirst inner seal member is positioned on the inner shoulder of the sealsupport between the inner shoulder and the axial projection of the firstend cap.
 11. A liquid filter cartridge comprising: (a) a primary filtercartridge section comprising media surrounding a central volume anddefining a central axis; (i) the media defining first and second ends;(b) a first end cap positioned at the first end of the media; (i) thefirst end cap including a seal support thereon; (ii) the seal supportincluding a first inner seal member positioned thereon to define afirst, inwardly directed, radial seal; and, (iii) the seal supportincluding; a key slot thereon; the key slot being spaced from the firstseal member in a direction opposite the primary filter cartridge sectionand extending in a direction away from the primary filter cartridgesection; the slot opening in a direction opposite the primary filtercartridge section and having a central axis about parallel to theprimary filter cartridge central axis; and (c) a second end cap at thesecond end of the media; (i) the second end cap having a centralaperture therethrough.
 12. A liquid filter assembly comprising: (a) ahousing including a filter head section and a depending sidewallsection; (i) the filter head section including a removable top; and, aliquid flow inlet; (ii) the sidewall section depending downwardly fromthe filter head section to a housing bottom having a central flowaperture therethrough; (b) a central tubular support positioned on thehousing bottom and including a tubular section projecting toward thefilter head section; and, (c) a liquid filter cartridge comprising: (i)a primary filter cartridge section comprising media surrounding acentral volume and defining a central axis; (A) the media defining firstand second ends; (ii) a first end cap positioned at the first end of themedia; (A) the first end cap including a seal support thereon; (B) theseal support including a first inner seal member positioned thereon todefine a first, inwardly directed, radial seal; and, (C) the sealsupport including; a key slot thereon; the key slot being spaced fromthe first seal member in a direction opposite the primary filtercartridge section and extending in a direction away from the primaryfilter cartridge section; the slot opening in a direction opposite theprimary filter cartridge section and having a central axis aboutparallel to the primary filter cartridge central axis; and (iii) asecond end cap at the second end of the media; (A) the second end caphaving a central aperture therethrough; (iv) the liquid filter cartridgebeing positioned with the radial seal releasably sealed around thecentral tubular support.
 13. A liquid filter assembly according to claim12 wherein: (a) the first inner seal member defines a seal planenon-orthogonal to the central axis.
 14. A liquid filter assemblycomprising: (a) a housing including a filter head section and adepending sidewall section; (i) the filter head section including aremovable top; and, a liquid flow inlet; (ii) the sidewall sectiondepending downwardly from the filter head section to a housing bottomhaving a central flow aperture therethrough; (b) a central tubularsupport positioned on the housing bottom and including a tubular sectionprojecting toward the filter head section; and, (c) a liquid filtercartridge comprising: (i) a primary filter cartridge section comprisingmedia surrounding a central volume and defining a central axis; (A) themedia defining first and second ends; (ii) a first end cap positioned atthe first end of the media; (A) the first end cap including a sealsupport thereon; (B) the seal support including a first inner sealmember positioned thereon to define a first, inwardly directed, radialseal; the first, inwardly directed, radial seal being positioned todefine a seal non-orthogonal to the central axis of the primary filtercartridge section; and, (iii) a second end cap at the second end of themedia; (A) the second end cap having a central aperture therethrough;(iv) the liquid filter cartridge being positioned with the radial sealreleasably sealed around the central tubular support.
 15. A liquidfilter assembly according to claim 14 wherein: (a) the first inner sealmember defines a seal plane non-orthogonal to the central axis.